Proving Grounds (Minneapolis): Iowa Standouts
Plenty of teams from all over the Midwest assembled in Minneapolis last week, and it was eye-opening to see the wealth of talent this region of the country has to offer. And though Iowa wasn’t the most well-represented state at The Proving Grounds, two programs, Iowa Pump ‘N run and Iowa Prep, showed up and played well at the event. Pump ‘N Run’s 17U Black squad even brought home a gold division title. Below, we’ll highlight the best Iowa players we saw in Minneapolis last weekend.
Max Wilcox, 5’6 PG (Iowa Pump N Run Black) — 2019
It was our first look at the small but very effective combo-guard, and his quickness and skill made him one of the best scoring threats we saw. Pound-for-pound, Wilcox might be a top-20 guy in Iowa.
Mason Porter, 6’2 G (Iowa Pump N Run Black) — 2019
Predictably, Porter makes this list, and there was really no doubt that he would. He’s the best player on a gold division title team; and even when he’s not playing his best, he’s able to make a major impact on the game.
Carson Crile, 6’5 F (Iowa Pump N Run Black) — 2019
The Fairfield junior is always very good when we see him in the offseason. He’s athletic and active and has a nice mid-range to pair with his inside prowess.
Keegan Kohorst, 6′ PG (Iowa Prep Red) — 2020
The sturdy and smart lead guard has a high basketball IQ, and would rather bull his way into the lane then settle for a less efficient outside jumper. He’s in-line to have a major role at Mount Pleasant next season as a junior.
Dane Fuller, 5’9 PG (Iowa Prep Red) — 2021
The youngest player we saw all weekend, Fuller was playing up a grade with the 16U guys, and was displaying a high-degree of skill while doing so. He’s got the handles, the vision and sweet jumper, and his confidence skyrocketed in front of our eyes when we caught him dropping a co-team-high 10 points against Minnesota Koch-Select.
Trevor Boje, 6’4 SF (Iowa Prep Black) — 2019
The first game we saw on Friday night, Boje was easily identified as a standout Iowa prospect. He’s long and versatile, and was showing both an ability to hit an outside jumper and slash to the hoop. Boje was a key piece for 1A runner-up North Linn last season.
Logan Rashid, 5’8 PG (Iowa Pump N Run Gold) — 2019
Pump N Run has a lot of really good point guards, and Rashid has taken the reins of their 17U gold unit. He’s got a tight handle and is almost always in control. A great game manager, who distributes adeptly and scores when needed.
Gilmore Taiber, 6’5 PF (Iowa Prep Black) — 2020
Cedar Falls is going to be good for years to come, and this rangy and versatile power forward is just one example of why. He’s got a smooth stroke, but is certainly most capable in the paint, where his foot-work in impeccable and his instincts are evident.
James Stimson, 6’1 SG (Iowa Prep Black) — 2020
After a big sophomore year at Sumner-Fredericksburg (15.5 PPG), we were interested to see this guard play, and he did not disappoint. Stimson got red-hot in the second half against Minnesota squad EGF Greenwave, and catapulted Iowa Prep to a W in the process.
Gavin Kies, 6’3 SG (Iowa Pump N Run Gold) — 2019
We didn’t know a lot about this Burlington, Notre Dame wing coming into the weekend, but his confident style of play and penchant for canning 3-balls have put him firmly on our map.